Tough Age

The new 7 inch EP from Toronto reluctant punks Tough Age is a manifesto, introducing fans to their new direction. Since relocating to Toronto from Vancouver three years ago the band has channelled their love of underground Flying Nun styled indie pop and have stripped down to a three-piece to facilitate efficient touring and writing. The single kicks off with two snappy tracks featuring bassist Penny Clark on vocals. "Guess Not" is a blistering blink-and-you'll-miss-it punker that sounds like an angry Shop Assistants song and is followed by "Not Bad" a swaggering piece of indie pop that mines the golden age of intelligent DIY indie pop. Guitarist Jarrett Samson rounds out the record with "Unclean," an ode to the classic kiwi pop of The Clean and Double Happys. The track builds up from a deceptively simple guitar line held together by the solid drumming of Jesse Locke until it reaches an unhinged surf rock crescendo.500 pressed on black vinyl